Barra do dande: President Joo Louren§o inaugurated the electrolytic aluminum plant in Barra do Dande, Bengo province. This infrastructure is strategically important for strengthening the industrialization of the region and diversifying the national economy.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the plant's first phase, with an investment of 250 million US dollars, will create more than 1,200 jobs, predominantly for young Angolans. The factory unit boasts an annual production capacity of 120,000 tons of electrolytic aluminum, which can be transformed into alloys, sheets, rods, and other derivative products. This phase is projected to generate approximately 300 million US dollars in annual revenue, directly contributing to the economic and industrial growth of the country.
The second phase of the project, expected to be completed in 2027, will generate three thousand jobs and involve an investment of 500 million dollars. It will produce 240,000 tons per year of electrolytic aluminum and 150,000 tons per year of anodic carbon. The Huatong Aluminum Industrial Park, located in the Barra do Dande Free Trade Zone, will undergo five development phases and is estimated to have a total investment of 1.6 billion dollars over eight to ten years.
Production from the plant will include a wide range of aluminum products for the domestic market and export. Once maximum capacity is reached, long-term production will have sales contracts signed by global commodity operators, Glencore Plc and Mercºria.
In addition to industrial investment, Huatong Angola Industry is committed to social impact and human capital development through professional training programs, internships, technical training, and know-how transfer. These initiatives aim to empower national personnel and create a solid skills base for the future of Angolan industry.
Zhang Wendon, Chairman of the Board of Huatong Angola, emphasized the project's commitment to the future, training, and sustainable development of Angola. The project, a partnership between the Chinese consortium Hebei Huatong Wire and Cables Group Co. Ltd. and Huatong Angola Industry, Ltd., is expected to create approximately 12,000 jobs upon full completion.
The industrial park is anticipated to bolster economic cooperation between Angola and China, increase exports, and enhance state revenues, thereby consolidating Bengo's role as a new Industrial Development Hub. The inauguration was witnessed by various entities from the governmental, business, industrial, and commercial sectors of Angola and China.
The Barra do Dande Integrated Development Free Trade Zone was established by Presidential Decree No. 62/21 on May 6th.
